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Words hurt across cultures

The Canadian Bill of Rights of 1960 affirms “the dignity and worth of the human person.” It does not say “except for First Nations people.”

To the Editor,

On Wednesday March 27, the Nanaimo Daily News published a letter to the editor disparaging Aboriginal Peoples which has landed the newspaper in all kinds of hot water.

People are confused by American television and what constitutes acceptable speech there and here. In this country hate speech is not legal.

The newspaper editors say that publishing the letter was accidental and a mistake, but it’s more than that.

The preamble to the Canadian Bill of Rights of 1960 affirms “the dignity and worth of the human person.” It does not say “except for First Nations people.”

Easter is the season of reconciliation so it may be best that we forgive Mr. Olsen for his letter.

Colin Frazer,

Port Alberni